Green Building

Green Home Design Ideas

A green home will help you to save on energy later on when you occupy the house.

Updated on

October 22, 2017

Energy saving bulbs — Consumers are increasingly working towards saving on their electric bills. PHOTO | FILE

Sustainable housing design ideas are fast gaining currency in Kenya, as more property developers strive to build ‘green homes’ that do not deplete natural resources.

For starters, sustainable housing refers to the establishment of human dwellings that meet the needs of the present without destroying environmental resources.

This mode of housing development attempts to minimise greenhouse gases, bring down global warming and conserve environmental resources.

Sustainable developments have many, although not necessarily all, of these characteristics: bio-degradable building materials; green architecture; renewable energy sources; and eco-friendly building practices among other features.

Although sustainable materials are expensive, they last longer and are considered safe for the environment. They can also help you to save money when you occupy the house.

Placing windows and doors in positions where more air can enter the building is a perfect characteristic of sustainable housing development, and so is the use of recyclable materials. This is achieved by orienting your home correctly.

Sustainable homes should be able to save at least 30 per cent on energy intake compared to conventional buildings. This is partly because a house that lets in natural light saves lots of energy compared to a home that requires lighting even during the day.

Energy conservation is mainly achieved through the use of energy-saving materials, installation of windows that filter heat, installation of insulation materials and placement of air conditioners in house areas that are not exposed to the sun.

Size also matters when it comes to energy efficiency. A small home makes it easier to achieve high energy efficiency standards for low upfront and ongoing costs.

If you want a house that will be cost-effective in the long run, sustainable housing may be the best option. This may be expensive during construction but if you factor in the health benefits and the savings you will get in terms of energy intake the design is worth it.